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Average Processing Times
Processing times begin on the day our office receives a complete application and end on the day the final decision (i.e. approval/refusal) leaves our office.
Permanent Residence:
- Skilled Worker applications received before February 27, 2008: 42 - 48 months
- Skilled Worker applications received after February 27, 2008: Because these applications are affected by new regulations, an average processing time is currently not available. Do not contact us for case status enquiries within 9-12 months of submitting your application
- Entrepreneurs and Self-employed persons: 42-48 months
- Investors: 12-18 months
- Family Class: 6 months
- Provincial Nominee, Quebec, Skilled Workers with Arranged Employment: 6 months
- Refugees: Up to 18 months
For all permanent resident applications (except Family Class, Provincial Nominees, Arranged Employment and Quebec applications), a letter of Acknowledgement of Receipt is sent to the applicant within 24 weeks from the date this office receives the completed application. The Acknowledgement provides details of processing times. Please read it carefully.
Temporary Residence:
Temporary Resident Visa (visitor) and Travel Document for permanent residents
- In person: 1 to 5 working days
Please note that some applications will require between 10 to 30 working days for processing. - Drop Box: 1 to 5 working days
Please note that some applications will require between 10 to 30 working days for processing. - Mail: 4 weeks (not including delivery times)
Please note that some applications will require between 8 to 12 weeks for processing.
Study Permit
- Drop Box: 8 to 10 weeks
- Mail: 8 to 10 weeks (not including delivery times)
Temporary Work Permit
- Drop Box: 8 to10 weeks
- Mail: 8 to 10 weeks
International Experience Canada (working holiday)
- Two (2) weeks from the date it is received at the IEC Team at the High Commission of Canada to the United Kingdom plus six (6) weeks from the date it is received at the Visa Section at the High Commission.
These average processing times are given as indications; they are not guaranteed and they do not include the time needed for the passport and visa to be returned to you. We strongly recommend that applicants submit their request 8 to 10 weeks before the planned trip.
Note for the Drop box and mail in applicants:
Applicants who wish to have their passports and original documents returned by mail are asked to include a self addresssed envelope for the return of their documents.
These are only average processing times. Some applications take longer to process for various reasons. For example, the following factors could delay the processing of your application:
- incomplete applications
- needing a medical examination (additional 3-4 weeks from the date of the medical exam if no complications arise, such as the need for further testing)
- being from certain countries or having a background that requires background enquiries (additional 10 working days to process)
- having a criminal record
- needing an interview
- documents that need to be verified
- other factors that complicate your case
Applications are dealt with in the order in which they are received.
Note: This office will not respond to case status enquiries within the processing times above.
For more detailed information on processing times at Canadian Visa Offices, including the London Visa Office, please see the CIC website.
